Water-resistant smartwatches: our honest list
January 6, 2026
It sometimes seems that all watches are "waterproof" now, but in reality, they are not. Some can only handle a light rain, others can’t withstand a shower, and some can even swim with you in the pool and dive. This collection features watches with proper protection, not fake 3 ATM, and with real experience using them in water. If you swim, run in the rain, or simply forget to take off your watch before the shower, these models won’t let you down.
1. Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Garmin Instinct 2X is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities and don't want to run to the charger every day. These watches are all about reliability: a sturdy case, dust and water protection, a readable screen even in the sun, and a built-in flashlight that can unexpectedly save you in the evening.
What's important - they are not just about survival. They support a variety of modes, from hiking to swimming. All the essential sensors are included: heart rate, oxygen, temperature, and pressure. You can sleep in them, run, bike, and generally not take them off. The GPS works on its own, without a phone, and the protection up to 10 ATM means you can dive without worry.
Key Highlights:
Really durable case with 10 ATM protection
Solar charging - think less about plugging in
Screen doesn't fade in the sun
Many sports and tactical modes
Specifications:
Screen: Transflective
Protection: Waterproof, glass
Battery: Up to 40 days (typical use)
2. HUAWEI Watch GT 4 41mm
HUAWEI Watch GT 4 41mm is more about everyday aesthetics. Compact, lightweight, with a neat design - not bulky or sporty. But inside, it’s as expected: an AMOLED display with auto-brightness, wireless charging, a microphone and speaker - making it convenient to take calls even when your phone is in your backpack.
The protection is also solid - 5 ATM, so you can confidently take it into the shower or pool. For sports, it features GPS and over a hundred modes, and for health, it includes heart rate, SpO2, sleep, breathing, and even activity reminders. It works smoothly, notifications come through as they should, and it pairs without issues with both Android and iPhone.
Key Highlights:
Lightweight case and neat design
AMOLED display with auto-brightness
You can take calls directly from the watch
Tracks sleep, breathing, stress
Specifications:
Screen: AMOLED
Protection: 5 ATM
Battery: 524 mAh
3. Amazfit Bip 6
Amazfit Bip 6 - these are the watches that can be described as light in every way. They almost don't feel on your wrist, the interface isn’t overloaded, and yet, they have enough features to cover all the basic tasks. They connect quickly, you can take calls, notifications appear immediately on the screen, and everything runs smoothly.
They also don’t fear water - 5 ATM, so no need to take them off in the shower or pool. There are plenty of sports modes, and the standard sensors like heart rate, oxygen, sleep, and breathing are included. The best part is that the battery life is impressive - up to two weeks without a charger, and that’s without any power-saving tricks. For those who just want convenient watches, this is perfect.
Key Highlights:
Lightweight and unobtrusive throughout the day
Can make calls and see notifications
Includes GPS, SpO2, sleep tracking
Perfect for workouts and swimming
Specifications:
Screen: AMOLED
Protection: 5 ATM
Battery: 340 mAh
4. Garmin Vivoactive 6
Garmin Vivoactive 6 is an option for those who want a watch suitable for both training and everyday life. They don’t look "too sporty" in a bad way - neat, with a clear AMOLED display, responsive, and non-irritating.
They come with more than enough functions: sleep, heart rate, SpO2, breathing, music, contactless payment, and notifications. Everything you usually need is here. Swimming? No problem, they have solid water resistance. GPS is built-in, so the route will be recorded even without a phone. The battery lasts consistently, especially in power-saving mode.
Key Highlights:
Bright AMOLED display, responsive touch
All sports features + payment and music
Works with both Android and iOS
Suitable for swimming
Specifications:
Memory: 8 GB
Screen: AMOLED
Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass
Battery: Up to 11 hours (typical use)
5. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 40mm Green
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is a watch that will fit both a workout and a casual shirt. The round display is bright, and it works smoothly. The interface is familiar, Wear OS gives access to all the necessary apps. It has a microphone and speaker - you can make calls right from your wrist if needed.
When it comes to health, it’s serious: it tracks pressure, ECG, SpO2, and skin temperature. Plus, sleep, step, stress tracking, and even a female calendar. It’s not afraid of water - IP68, so it can be used in the pool and in the rain. It charges quickly and the battery lasts well - a day or two for sure.
Key Highlights:
AMOLED display with good protection
Tracks pressure, ECG, skin temperature
Calls, notifications, payments - all directly from the watch
IP68 - swimming is fine
Specifications:
Processor: Samsung Exynos W1000
Memory: 32 GB
Screen: AMOLED
Protection: IP68
Battery: 300 mAh
6. Google Pixel Watch 3
Google Pixel Watch 3 is a smartwatch that fits especially well into the life of those who use Android. Especially if you already use Google services like calendar, maps, assistant, and everything else. The design is neat, not overloaded – just a slim aluminum case, a round screen, and a pleasant response to gestures.
In terms of features, it has everything you need: heart rate, oxygen, ECG, sleep tracking. Swimming and sports? No problem, it has decent water protection, and you don’t need to take it off even in the pool. Calls from the wrist, voice commands, payments – all directly from the watch. The watch itself isn’t anything "wow", but with Android, it feels like an extension of your smartphone.
Key Highlights:
Compact, neat, no extra features
Works excellently with Android and Google services
Health monitoring, including ECG and sleep
Has calls, NFC, music, and notifications
Specifications:
Processor: Qualcomm SW5100
Memory: 32 GB
Screen: AMOLED
Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Battery: 307 mAh
7. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is a whole new level. Everything here is more serious: titanium case, protection from water, dust, shocks – in general, it can survive almost anything. Wear OS gives access to all the familiar apps, and the bright screen is visible even in the bright sun. It works smoothly, the interface doesn’t lag, and calls can be made directly from the wrist.
What’s interesting – it has almost all the sensors that could be useful: heart rate, oxygen, skin temperature, ECG, pressure. It supports hundreds of activity modes, plus payments, music, notifications – the full package. The battery lasts for about two days, but it charges quickly, so it’s not much of a hassle.
Key Highlights:
Durable titanium case, IP68 protection
Maximum number of sensors: from heart rate to ECG and temperature
Calls, music, notifications – all on the watch
Convenient charging and full compatibility with Wear OS
Specifications:
Processor: Samsung Exynos W1000
Memory: 32 GB
Screen: AMOLED
Protection: IP68, shockproof
Battery: 590 mAh
8. Amazfit Active 2
Amazfit Active 2 are watches that are great for both training and the office. They look calm, nothing extra. The screen is bright, readable even in the sun, and the controls are simple – anyone can figure it out. They work reliably: notifications come through, calls can be answered, music can be switched.
Inside, it has everything you need for tracking: sleep, heart rate, oxygen, stress, even body temperature. For sports, there are over 160 modes, and GPS is built-in. No issues with water – you can run in the rain or swim. The battery lasts well, especially if you turn on power saving.
Key Highlights:
Bright screen with anti-glare glass
Sleep, heart rate, temperature, and stress tracking
5 ATM protection, can swim
Specifications:
Screen: AMOLED
Protection: 5 ATM
Battery: 270 mAh
9. Xiaomi Watch S4 Silver
Xiaomi Watch S4 Silver is for those who don’t want anything extra. On the outside – everything is simple and neat, nothing flashy, nothing shiny. The screen is bright, readable in the sun. The interface is smooth, without overload. There’s a sensor, a wheel, and you can change the bezel if you want to freshen up the look a bit.
In terms of functions – everything needed for everyday use: sleep, heart rate, oxygen, stress, steps, sports. GPS is built-in, water protection is 5 ATM – you can swim. They run on HyperOS, notifications come through, calls are received, payments are made via NFC. The battery life is impressive – several days without charging.
Key Highlights:
Bright AMOLED display
5 ATM water protection – can swim
Has GPS, NFC, and calling capabilities
Specifications:
Screen: AMOLED
Protection: 5 ATM
Battery: 486 mAh
10. Amazfit Active Midnight Black
Amazfit Active Midnight Black looks modest, but in a good way. The screen is square, without any unnecessary features. The interface is simple, everything is controlled by swipes. It’s convenient for both training and just everyday use. They’re almost not felt on the wrist.
In terms of features – it tracks sleep, heart rate, oxygen, stress. GPS is built-in, notifications are displayed on the screen, and calls can be accepted. For sports – there are over a hundred modes. Water protection is 5 ATM – no issues with rain or swimming. The battery lasts well, especially with power saving on. They run on Zepp OS, and nothing lags.
Key Highlights:
Minimalist design, lightweight case
5 ATM water protection – can swim
Receives calls, displays notifications
Built-in GPS
Specifications:
Screen: AMOLED
Protection: 5 ATM
Battery: 300 mAh
11. Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar
Garmin Fenix 7X Pro is not just a watch, but almost a mini-computer on your wrist for those who live outdoors. The body is strong, shock and water-resistant, and the sapphire glass can withstand both hiking and swimming. The screen is readable even in the sun, and the solar charging really helps you charge less often.
In terms of features, it has almost everything: maps, altimeter, pulse, barometer, thermometer, GPS, music, offline navigation. It works independently, no smartphone needed. Suitable for trails, bike rides, and anyone who wants reliable equipment with plenty of capabilities. The battery lasts for a long time - you can go for weeks without charging.
Key Highlights:
Durable body, sapphire glass
Navigation and maps work offline
Solar charging and autonomy for weeks
Advanced workout analytics
Specifications:
Memory: 32 GB
Screen: Transflective (MiP)
Protection: 10 ATM, shockproof
Battery: Power-saving mode: up to 90 days / 1+ year with solar panel
12. Samsung Galaxy Watch6 44mm Silver
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 are watches that are perfect for both the gym and everyday wear. They look neat, not bulky on the wrist, and are comfortable enough to wear all day. The screen is bright AMOLED, everything is clear both indoors and outdoors. The interface is smooth, no lag.
In terms of measurements, they track heart rate, pressure, sleep, ECG, skin temperature. You can track workouts, switch between modes, receive calls, and respond to notifications directly from the wrist. Water is not a problem, with IP68 protection, you can wash your hands or swim. The battery lasts about two days, but it charges quickly, so it’s not a hassle.
Key Highlights:
Bright AMOLED with Always-On
Tracks pressure, heart rate, performs ECG
IP68 water resistance – you can swim
Convenient to read notifications and answer calls
Specifications:
Processor: Samsung Exynos W930
Memory: 16 GB
Screen: AMOLED
Protection: IP68, shockproof
Battery: 425 mAh
Conclusion
Good waterproof smartwatches are not just about dry numbers in specifications, but how they perform in real life. So you don’t have to worry about whether to take your watch off before a shower. So you can swim in the pool or not panic when it rains on your way home from work. This list features models that don’t "fear water", they just do their job.
Each model has its own character: some are suitable for hiking and long workouts, others are better for the city and office life. But what they all have in common is that they can handle moisture. So choose one that suits you, not based on numbers – and you’ll be comfortable.